Learn to spot the hidden expectations in green job ads

A guide to understanding what employers are really looking for when they put out their employment advertisement

šŸ‘‹Hey

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising. If job advertisements sometimes feel like a puzzle – packed with industry jargon, vague expectations, and unspoken requirements šŸ˜«ā€“ this is the place for you. To help you confidently navigate postings, we’re breaking down a real job ad. This guide will help you learn to read between the lines of job descriptions and understand what employers are looking for.ā˜ŗļø

ā³ Today’s reading time: 2 mins

Understanding this job ad: Project Support Coordinator

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. They are currently looking for a Project Support Coordinator.

Key points to note

šŸ”¹ Project Background: The job ad begins with details about the project you'll be supporting. Read this carefully to understand the scope, objectives, and expectations.

šŸ”¹ Location Requirement: The role is based in Rabat, Morocco, and GGGI does not offer relocation benefits, so you must already be eligible to work there.

šŸ”¹ Donor-Funded Project: This means the role requires specific skills, particularly in clear documentation and meticulous reporting, as donor-funded projects demand precise, transparent records down to the last detail.

Breaking down the role…

This role places you between the organisation and the project stakeholders. You’ll handle documentation and facilitate communication between the two.

  • ā€œAt least 3 to 5 years of work experience in project coordinationā€¦ā€ Given the nature of the role - which involves administrative tasks, project reporting, and communication with project partners - this experience is essential. Handling donor-funded projects requires a specific skill set, and without it, the role could be quite challenging.

  • ā€œBasic understanding of Carbon Markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the Renewable Energy landscapeā€¦ā€ This knowledge is a requirement for many jobs in the green economy, if you’re interested in this space, start learning about these things today. 

  • ā€œProficiency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.ā€ When an employer lists language proficiency, they mean it. You’ll interact with stakeholders who expect seamless communication in both languages.

Some of the skills required: 

  • Sharp awareness – Know your work. Understand the project, its milestones, and the specifics of handling donor-funded initiatives. A strong grasp of the project’s scope is essential.

  • Communication skills – You will facilitate communication between technical experts, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution. This includes tracking technical deliverables and reporting any risks or delays. Clear and precise communication is key.

  • Administrative skills – You will handle administrative and documentation tasks while assisting in coordination between various project stakeholders.

  • Reporting skills – You will assist in tracking and reporting project progress accurately and on time.

Guide to job listings in sustainability

Want to put the skills you’ve learned into practice? Below are some job listings for you to explore:

Bauchi, Nigeria | Husk Power Systems | Customer Acquisition

Johannesburg, South Africa | Scatec Solar | Procurement and Logistics Administrator

Lusaka, Zambia | UpEnergy | Operations and Finance Intern

Accra, Ghana | Kofa | Customer Support Specialist

Johannesburg, South Africa | Hatch | Marketing Intern

Ghana | Form Ghana | Management Trainee

Kigali, Rwanda | One Acre Fund | Rwanda Logistics Support Intern

Muramvya, Burundi | One Acre Fund | Burundi Financial Advisory Services Associate

Nairobi, Kenya | UN Environment Programme | Environmental Affairs Intern

Thies, Senegal | myAgro | Communications Associate

Nairobi, Kenya | Apollo Agriculture | Junior Graphic Designer

Find more jobs here, Shortlist job board 

ā

A bird will always use another bird's feathers to feather its own nest.

African Proverb